Yeusvi Flores: Returning to school requires precautions

With the return of classes, the hallways, classrooms, and schoolyards are once again filled with laughter, games, and learning. However, the risks of respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin diseases also return, finding closed spaces and close contact the perfect setting for spreading.

Teaching basic hygiene habits doesn't begin at school, but at home.

Let's remind our children of the importance of washing their hands with soap and water before eating, after using the bathroom, and upon arriving home. Using antibacterial gel can be helpful, but it will never replace proper handwashing. Likewise, teaching them to cover their mouth and nose with their elbow when coughing or sneezing reduces the chance of infecting others.

The items children carry daily can also carry bacteria and viruses. It's advisable to wash lunchboxes, thermoses, and water containers regularly. Additionally, sending fresh, well-refrigerated food reduces the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses, especially in our hot city. Therefore, choosing lunchboxes that allow you to add ice or frozen blocks would be my best recommendation.

When it comes to vaccines, we can't deny that they are one of the most effective tools for preventing outbreaks in schools. Checking vaccination records and going to health centers if a dose is missing protects not only our children but also their classmates.

Although it may seem like a sacrifice to miss a couple of days, sending your children with a fever, diarrhea, or a persistent cough increases the chances of the entire class getting sick.

Resting at home speeds recovery and prevents school from becoming a source of infection.

The return to school also often brings with it cases of pediculosis (lice) or skin infections.

Regularly checking hair and keeping nails short and clean is a simple measure that prevents further discomfort. Children learn more from what they see than from what they hear.

If we practice good hygiene habits at home, keep our vaccinations up to date, and take care of our health, our children will replicate these behaviors at school.

Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Tiktok: @DraYeusviFlores; e-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.drayeus.com.